A challenging, undulating course with one big hill at mile 4 - but apparently still pretty fast! The race starts inside the grounds of Carlisle Castle, then goes through the city for a couple of miles before heading out over the M6, through some pretty villages and pleasant countryside, and back through parkland to a stadium finish. Excellent organisation, good value for a big event. And sponsored by New Balance so the goody bag included a technical T-shirt and half-price shoes were on offer. It's a long way to go just for the run, but well worth combining with a weekend in the Lakes.